We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and
customise content and advertisements. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you
agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more visit the cookies section of our
privacy policy.

Ned Payne

Ned Payne joined insidethegames.biz as desk editor in March 2019 following more than 11 years in the regional newspaper industry.

Payne cut his journalism teeth as a sports reporter at the Wiltshire Times, based in Trowbridge, and his progress was such that he quickly moved on to sister title the Swindon Advertiser.

There he became a trusted voice on the local speedway and ice hockey clubs and established a reputation as an all-rounder, being also an authoritative writer on Swindon Town, European Tour golf and international swimming.

Payne joined the Bournemouth Echo in March 2014 where he chronicled the latter stages of AFC Bournemouth’s fairytale rise to the Premier League and subsequent success at the top level.

He was promoted to chief sports writer in October 2018.

Payne has exclusive interviews with the likes of Harry Kane, Rebecca Adlington, Gary Anderson, Jermain Defoe and Georgia Hall under his belt.

inside the photos

Fact of the day

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for weighing in at nearly four pounds above the limit for his weight class of his under-66 kilograms match against an Israeli opponent Ehud Vaks in the first round. It was claimed Miresmaeili had gone on an eating binge to protest the International Olympic Committee's recognition of the state of Israel. Iran does not recognise the state of Israel, and Miresmaeili's actions won praise from high-ranking Iranian officials. Mohammad Khatami, the country's President at the time, was quoted as saying Miresmaili's actions would be "recorded in the history of Iranian glories". He was later awarded $125,000 by the Government - the same amount given to Olympic gold medallists.

Featured Job

The LTA’s vision is “Tennis Opened Up” and its mission is to make tennis Relevant, Accessible, Welcoming, and Enjoyable. The Performance Directorate's aim is to make GB one of the most respected nations in the world for player development so that we can continue to inspire the tennis audience with major tournament success. The Performance Director will lead the continued development and delivery of our performance strategy for the LTA Player Pathway.